Vice President J.D. Vance Helps Carry Charlie Kirk’s Casket Aboard Air Force Two
In a solemn scene at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Vice President J.D. Vance helped carry the casket of conservative activist Charlie Kirk as the remains were transported aboard Air Force Two. The flight brought Kirk’s body from Salt Lake City to Phoenix, where family and friends gathered for funeral arrangements. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
The transfer followed Kirk’s fatal shooting while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Officials said the casket was moved by a detail of uniformed service members and that Vance — who had been publicly close to Kirk — joined the pallbearers in a gesture of respect. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
News outlets and video shared on social platforms captured the moment Vance and others carried the casket up the aircraft steps and later deplaned in Arizona, where Kirk will be laid to rest. Vance’s presence underscored the close personal and political ties between the vice president and the conservative activist, who co-founded Turning Point USA. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Kirk’s death has prompted a wide response across U.S. political and media circles, raising questions about campus security and political violence. Authorities continue to investigate the shooting and the circumstances around the attack. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Photo credit and original reporting: Associated Press (AP). Additional coverage: Politico, Fox News, NDTV, ABC and other outlets. For AP’s full photo gallery and reporting, see the AP story linked below.